This page contains an introduction to how service for braille materials works. Our phone number and email are listed below. Please contact us if you have any questions about CT LAB. We look forward to serving you and providing you with books.
The braille collection includes nonfiction, fiction, bestsellers, magazines, and materials from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled’s (NLS) music section.
Nonfiction and fiction books in braille format are available from CT LAB. The collection features a range of subjects and genres. Titles are available in a variety of world languages. The collection is intended to appeal to patrons of all ages.
Braille readers can request hard copy braille books on demand from NLS. Books requested using this service must be available as braille books on BARD, the Braille and Audio Reading Download service. The books are embossed by NLS for patrons upon request. Readers can request books using the braille on demand request form. CT LAB staff can also place requests for braille on demand books for patrons. You can request up to five books per month in hardcopy braille on demand. Braille books requested through the on demand service may be kept indefinitely for personal use.
CT LAB patrons have access to the NLS music collection. This collection consists of music scores in braille, music instruction books, and music appreciation books. Patrons should contact the NLS Music Section at (800) 424-8567 extension 2 with requests.
Patrons have access to approximately thirty different magazine titles in hard copy braille. Contact CT LAB to learn more about available titles.
CT LAB patrons have access to free braille calendars in both wall-sized and pocket-sized formats available from NLS. Patrons interested in a wall-sized or pocket-sized braille calendar should contact their CT LAB Reader’s Advisor.
CT LAB patrons may request an NLS Braille eReader. The Braille eReader is available for free to all CT LAB patrons. The eReader features a 20-cell braille display, is Bluetooth enabled, and can connect to WiFi. To learn more, contact CT LAB.
Call CT LAB at (860) 704-2220 or (800) 842-4516 to request books. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is the fastest way to order more books or make changes to your patron account. For music materials, patrons should contact the NLS Music Section at (800) 424-8567 extension 2.
Contact CT LAB with book requests via email at csl.AccessibleBooks@ct.gov. CT LAB staff can provide the same kind of assistance to patrons via email as on the telephone.
Patrons may mail written book requests to CT LAB at our mailing address:
CT State Library for Accessible Books
786 South Main St.
Middletown, CT 06457
Place written requests inside a mailing envelope. Do not seal the envelope. In place of postage, write, Free Matter for the Blind, on the top right corner of the envelope.
CT LAB Reader’s Advisors assist patrons with book orders, searching the catalog, and updating patron accounts. When you call CT LAB, provide your name and we will connect you with your Reader’s Advisor so that they can assist you.
There are several ways to search for books and browse the CT LAB Collection. Access the resources book discovery at our Find Books page.
Hard copy braille books are mailed to patrons using the United States Postal Service. Materials are sent postage-postage free using the Free Matter for the Blind service from USPS.
Loan periods for braille books are 60 days.
Your service can be adjusted at any time. Please call CT LAB and ask to speak with your Reader’s Advisor to make changes to your account. Common account changes include:
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